Love of learning Ross Shillito – taking a quantum jump into technology
P hysicist Ross Shillito is leaping into the unknown, exploring advanced architecture for quantum computing at Universite de Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada. A Jacobs House Old Boy – and Bronze medal winner at the 2014 International Chemistry Olympiad in his final year at College – Ross is now pursuing a PhD in physics in Canada, “researching superconducting qubit (quantum bit) control and readout”. For Ross, “superconducting qubits are a promising architecture for quantum
computers”, opening the physics world to endless possibilities. Superconducting qubits are the ‘building blocks’ of a quantum computer. A quantum computer, in turn, enables greater use of probabilities in problem-solving in multiple fields, along with stepping up the speed and efficiency of the solution. “In the mid-to-distant future, quantum computers have the potential to model advanced
communication, help with weather and climate predictions, and accelerate AI/machine learning,” Ross explains. “Although, I have to stress that this is still rather far away. It may be several decades before we see any major impacts.
“I hope to help further superconducting qubit
technology, and, in particular, be involved in designing the new devices,” he says of his long-term career goals. Ross recalls finding “a passion for quantum physics during my
materials and chemicals, aid in the discovery of new drugs, revolutionise secure
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